Link Lounge September 10, 2009

Before it was the city that never sleeps, New York City wasn’t NYC at all, but an idyllic little island teaming with wildlife and filled with lush greenery and hills. And now, thanks to the latest issue of National Geographic, you can check out how it probably looked in the early-17th century. The NG article details how Eric Sanderson, of the Bronx Zoo-headquartered Wildlife Conservation Society, has digitally envisioned how Manhattan looked before the big city sprung up. The article includes a photo gallery and interactive map.

While we’re on the subject of wild things, you’ve probably encountered Maurice Sendak’s critically acclaimed, 46-year-old children’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are.” And whether it’s a fondly remembered childhood tome or one you now read to your own kids — or both — take note: The movie version is slated to open in theaters on October 16. Interesting side note — it’s not the first film version of the famous book. Another was in development in 1983, with none other than John Lasseter, of Pixar fame, at the helm. It never made it to the big screen, but you can check out an early Disney CG animation test here. As for the new version, it’s already generating plenty of chatter; check out why at Entertainment Weekly’s PopWatch blog post.

Do you squander hours and hours online? Do you spend more time on Facebook than you do on your personal appearance? If so, check out this wikihow.com post on “How to Quit Facebook.” Despite all the tongue-in-cheek articles about the site these days, the wiki is actually quite sincere. And, indeed, if this recent NPR article is any indication, Internet addiction is a real enough problem that a Washington-based center is now open for the treatment of it. We’d urge you to click away on these links, but we don’t want to enable you. But if your hand just happens to graze the mouse …

And finally, speaking of mice — or more precisely in this case, rats — click here to see the newly discovered largest species of rat in the world. It is nearly three feet long and “has no fear of humans.” Don’t worry: Unless you’re headed to the jungles of Papua New Guinea, you’re safe.

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